Lisa Leslie battled foul trouble as well as the Monarchs.
Juan Ocampo/WNBAE/Getty Images

Mwadi Mabika and Tamecka Dixon scored 15 points apiece as the
Los Angeles Sparks extended their regular-season winning streak
over the Monarchs to nine games with a 63-61 victory in their
home opener.

Sacramento had a chance for its first win over Los Angeles since
June 11, 2000 when it pulled within 60-59 on Edna Campbell's
3-pointer with 86 seconds left.

After Latasha Byears missed two free throws for the Sparks,
Griffith suffered a laceration to the left side of her face
while driving to the basket. She missed a layup and Lisa Leslie
secured the rebound with 10.2 seconds left.

Griffith left the floor and did not return. Leslie buried 1-of-2
free throws to give the Sparks a 61-59 edge.

Sacramento rookie Kara Lawson was called for an offensive foul
and Dixon added two free throws for a 63-59 lead at 3.3 seconds.

Monarchs guard Ticha Penicheiro made a layup at the other end
and was fouled by Leslie with 1.6 seconds to go. She
intentionally missed the free throw and Lawson's follow shot
missed as time expired.

Leslie, who battled foul trouble, had 10 points and 12 rebounds
for her fifth straight double-double to start the season.

DeMya Walker scored 15 points and Campbell added 12 for the
Monarchs, who have lost three of their first four road games.

Penicheiro had 11 points, nine assists and six rebounds, but
Griffith, who was held scoreless in the first half, managed only
six points - 13 below her season average.